CN105451613A - Capsule multi-piercer with assembly means - Google Patents

Abstract

An extraction unit (1) has a piercing device (10) for piercing a capsule (20). The piercing device includes: a base (14) with peripheral sections, such as generally straight peripheral sections (14a, 14b, 14c1, 14c2 ); a plurality of blades (11a, 11b, 11c) that protrude from the base along a longitudinal direction (12a', 12b', 12c' ), each blade extending laterally generally along one of the peripheral sections (14a, 14b, 14c1); and a plurality of assembly members (15a, 15b, 15c), each assembly member (15a, 15b, 15c) extending and protruding from one of the peripheral sections (14b,14c2). At least one assembly member (15a, 15c) of said assembly members (15a, 15b, 15c) is located at least in part generally in the longitudinal direction (12b', 12c') under a corresponding blade (11b, 11c).

Description

There is the multiple puncture outfit of capsule of assembling device

Technical field

The present invention relates to the method for the combination for the device of the capsule in capsule extraction unit that punctures, this extraction unit and capsule, puncture capsule, and the use of capsule in this puncture.

For the object of this description, " beverage " is intended to comprise any one liquid substance that can eat for the mankind, such as tea, coffee, chocolate hot drink or cold drink, milk, soup, baby food etc." capsule " is intended to comprise and is placed in sealed package, the beverage ingredient of any one portioning in advance especially in hermetically sealed packaging, as flavoring, described sealed package is made (as plastics package, aluminium packaging, returnable package and/or biodegradable packaging) by any one material and be can be arbitrary shape and structure, comprises the soft pod bag or rigidity storage box that hold said beverage batching.

Background technology

Some beverage preparation machine uses capsule, and described capsule holds batching to be extracted or to be dissolved, and/or stores in beverage preparation machine and the batching of automatic ration input or the batching of adding when preparing beverage.Some beverage machine have filling device, and described filling device comprises the pump for liquid (being generally water), and it is used for the liquid of pumping from water source, and this liquid is cold or is heated by heater (as heat block etc.).Especially, in coffee preparation field, the multiple machine of extensive exploitation, wherein the capsule of beverage ingredient containing inserts in brewing device.Brewing device tightly surrounds capsule, and water injects at the first surface place of capsule, in the enclosed volume of capsule, make beverage, and can discharge from second of capsule through the beverage of brewing and be collected in the receiver of such as teacup or glass and so on.

Develop the brewing device being convenient to insert " fresh " capsule and shift out the capsule used.

WO2005/004683 and WO2007/135136 relates to this type of brewing device.This type of brewing device comprises: framework; Fixing holding member, it is for capsule; Removable holding member, its with sliding relation relative to frame installation; One or two hinge joint mechanism, it provides mechanical system, and this mechanical system makes described holding member can surround capsule in firm and without leakage mode, the reaction force that when also antagonism reopens simultaneously, inner brewing pressure produces; And handle, it is for directly levering up hinge joint mechanism.This device forms simple assembly, and this assembly allows capsule fall through the channel vertical in framework and insert capsule, and allows the capsule along the direction taking-up identical with direction of insertion.Handle can be used for the passage covering or expose capsule.The movable part of brewing device is via handle manual activation.Closed with open machine during manual force needed for the described movable part of movement be different, depend on the temperature of the dimensional tolerance of capsule used, the location of capsule and character and brewing unit.WO2009/043630 discloses a kind of beverage preparation machine comprising brewing unit, and the front portion of described brewing unit has the passage inserting brewing unit for capsule.This front portion is arranged to the exposed vias when stretching out machine case, inserts in brewing unit, time in retraction brewing unit, passage is slided into below housing, thus cover passage by housing for capsule.According to diverse ways, the actuating of the movable part of brewing device can motorization.EP1767129 relates to a kind of motor-driven extraction module, and it is for the beverage production settings based on capsule.In this case, user need not provide any manpower to open or close brewing device.WO2012/025258 and WO2012/025259 discloses another kind of vehicularized machine, and it is for preparing beverage by ingredient capsule.

When the capsule holding material to be extracted (as beverage ingredient) is partially or completely sealed, time especially fluid-tight and optionally air-locked, the capsule member by appropriate opening device opening encapsulation may be necessary.Described unlatching can delay, and that is, during the leaching process of capsule, performs described unlatching in extraction unit, such as, disclosed in EP0512470 or EP2068684; Also before extraction storage box, described unlatching can be performed in this unit, such as, as in WO02/00073 or disclosed in WO02/35977.US3,260,190, US5,649,472, CH605293, EP512468 and EP242556 disclose other open configuration.

Extraction unit can comprise one or more blade usually, before extracting at capsule, form opening on capsule.If the blade itself used does not comprise liquid-circulating conduit; namely; guide the conduit that liquid enters capsule or leaves from capsule; so; liquid can circulate along blade outer usually, utilizes the passage formed between the border of the opening formed on capsule at blade and blade to enter capsule or leaves from capsule.The passage formed between blade and these opening borders may be very narrow, and the liquid needed cannot be allowed to flow into or flow out capsule.So, flow along capsule may be very few, or capsule may be torn in an undesired manner (when liquid flows out from capsule pressurization) around border, or capsule may be crushed (when liquid pressing flows into or attempt to flow into capsule).

WO02/00073 has solved this problem.This patent disclose a kind of extraction unit comprising several capsule piercing blade, described capsule piercing blade is used for piercing through capsule, thus allows liquid-circulating to flow through capsule.Described blade has the opening of lateral direction penetrating, and these openings during milking stretch in storage box, provides the space of increase along blade, to promote that liquid introduces storage box from outside.

Due to exist on whole blade this greatly run through opening, so by blade height place around the cross section of opening the border of capsule inside expansion liquid penetrating via in blade, significantly improve the effect that liquid to flow in capsule or flows out from capsule.But, this greatly run through the mechanical strength that opening also reduces blade.In the course of time, especially when using the comparatively hard shell capsules not easily by blade punctures, this can make troubles.This piercing through the extra restriction of period to blade, certainly can cause the blade premature failure having and run through opening.

EP2012192347.8 discloses the method that another kind improves liquid inflow, the opening that the method plunger expansion cutting element or piercing element are formed in capsule.

Pierce through by prior art, before any rising appears in glue intraluminal pressure, especially pierce through the problem that capsule can run into is, the fluid circulation entering capsule is insufficient.As mentioned above, provide the scheme solving this problem, such as, solution disclosed in WO02/00073 and EP2012192347.8.Inlet flow in this type of system enhancement capsule.

But, still need the flow distribution improved in capsule.The number increasing the respective openings formed in piercing element and capsule has been proposed.But the number of piercing element is more, utilize sting device formed all openings need pressure larger, capsule is crushed but not the risk be pierced is also larger.This risk even increases along with the trend enhancing of consideration reduction packaging material (this causes capsule structure to weaken) for economy and environment aspect.

In addition, the number of blades of sting device increases, and causes providing on device the possibility stretching out mounting structure to reduce, or causes needing the overall dimension increasing sting device just can provide the space holding mounting structure and extra blade.In addition, the assembling structure or the overall dimension that change sting device are unfavorable for the transforming property of this type of sting device in existing capsule extraction unit.

On the other hand, advised providing inner capsule Distribution chamber, this raceway groove is connected to capsule entrance and the fluid injecting capsule entrance is interspersed among in capsule.But rear a solution relates to more inner capsule member, which increase the cost manufacturing capsule.

Therefore, still need for capsule extraction unit provides the sting device that at least can solve some problems in foregoing problems.

Summary of the invention

One aspect of the present invention relates to capsule extraction unit, and this capsule extraction unit has the sting device for the capsule that punctures.The capsule that cooperating between capsule with extraction unit can relate to by holding beverage ingredient to be extracted prepares beverage, described beverage ingredient to be extracted such as coffee, tea, chocolate, cocoa power, milk or soup.Therefore, this extraction unit may be incorporated in beverage machine usually.

This operation preparing beverage generally includes mixing various beverages batching, such as water and milk powder; And/or soaking beverage batching, such as brew ground coffee or tea with water.Such as, require to be formed and distribute the beverage of scheduled volume according to user, this scheduled volume corresponds to the amount of every portion of beverage.The volume corresponding with this deal can in the scope of 25ml to 200ml, and even nearly 300ml or 400ml, such as, can fill the volume of teacup or mug, specifically depend on the type of beverage.Formed and the espresso (espresso) that the beverage distributed can be selected from stamen silk emerald green piece (ristretto), steam pressurized cooks, amount enough coffee (lungo), cappuccino, latte, caffe american, tea etc.Especially, coffee machine can be configured for distributing steam and to pressurize the espresso cooked, and such as, the adjustable volume of every part is 20ml to 60ml; Such as, and/or for the enough coffee of sendout, the volume of every part is in 70ml to 150ml scope.

The sting device of extraction unit of the present invention comprises:

-pedestal, this pedestal has circumferential sections, such as roughly straight circumferential sections;

-multiple blade, these blades longitudinally stretch out from described pedestal, and especially described longitudinal direction is roughly parallel to the direction of piercing through described capsule in this type of unit, and each blade is roughly laterally extending along in described circumferential sections; And

-multiple mounting structure, each mounting structure extends from circumferential sections and stretches out.

For example, mounting structure is spring member, as clamping components.Mounting structure is usually arranged to pedestal anchoring and/or is positioned in capsule receiver.

According to the present invention, at least one mounting structure is roughly longitudinally positioned at below corresponding blade at least in part.

Therefore, the peripheral part around sting device pedestal is replaced to be arranged alternately the way of blade and mounting structure, blade and mounting structure can be combined in a same part for pedestal, like this, mounting structure also can be used as the position of stretching out blade from the position that pedestal extends out.

Sting device (especially pedestal) optionally has one or more additional assembling structures, such as, is selected from least one assembling structure of pilot hole or recess.

Under normal circumstances, the puncture tip of element be arranged to make extraction fluid be recycled in capsule before pierce through capsule.

Sting device can have the first kind blade be associated with mounting structure, and the Second Type blade be not associated with mounting structure.For example, Second Type blade has the foot of the second width, and this second width is substantially equal to the first width of the foot of first kind blade.First kind blade and Second Type blade can be arranged alternately at the axis of sting device, this axis such as sting device central axis and/or be parallel to puncture direction axis.

So the number of blades in given volume can increase, even if it is also like this that sting device needs one or more mounting structure of stretching out and/or sting device to be made up of single twisted plate.This is particularly conducive to sting device to transform as has more blades in the extraction unit of existing design, especially also can not reduce or damage the shape of blade punctures part.

Sting device, or the blade of at least this device, can be made up of metal (as steel or iron), or also by pottery or may can make by harder polymeric material.Should by making the material (as plastics or aluminium) of excessive wear puncture tip by the capsule wall opened by blade.Capsule also can be made up of biodegradable material.

So sting device can be equipped with a large amount of blade, for the formation of the inlet opens of respective number or the exit opening of respective number.

By being arranged as by sting device when puncturing the capsule in extraction unit, not forming opening in the same time by corresponding blade, just at utmost can be reduced in the risk of when forming opening with blade, capsule being flattened.

At least one mounting structure can between the blade of correspondence and pedestal.Pedestal can be general plane or annular.

The blade of at least one mounting structure and described correspondence can extend from same circumferential sections.

The blade of described correspondence can form ledge, being positioned at below this ledge on longitudinal insert orientation at least partially of mounting structure.

Pedestal can extend between at least one mounting structure and the blade of described correspondence.Such as, pedestal is roughly annular.

At least one mounting structure can extend from the assembling circumference sections relative with blade circumference sections of pedestal.Such as, this type of circumferential sections is roughly parallel to each other.

At least one mounting structure can stretch out from circumferential sections along the direction being roughly parallel to corresponding blade longitudinal direction.

Pedestal, blade and mounting structure are made up of single platy structure usually.In this context, platy structure refers to that thickness is only the structure of the part of width and length.This structure extends along its length and width, not obviously extends along its thickness.The length of this structure and width are at least 10 times, 30 times or 100 times of its thickness usually respectively.This structure is not planar structure usually, but bending and/or angled structure; But this structure can comprise one or more planar segment, such as pedestal, blade and/or the mounting structure stretched out.For example, this structure is made up of the single plate bending, and cutting forms pedestal, blade and mounting structure again.

A part (e.g., pedestal) for whole sting device or this sting device can be made up of the thin plate of thin plate such as constant thickness, and this constant thickness, as being less than the thickness of 1mm, is generally the thickness in 0.05mm to 0.5mm scope.

The plate forming blade cutting edge and mounting structure can have constant thickness along blade.

The thickness forming the part of blade in plate can diminish gradually along blade, thus forms sharper keen instrument bevel.

Such as, blade and mounting structure bend 75 degree to the angle within the scope of 105 degree relative to pedestal, such as 85 degree to 95 degree.

Each blade can have puncture tip, puncture tip is arranged to along puncture direction (such as, be roughly parallel to the direction of blade in the longitudinal direction at puncture tip place) puncture capsule, and the correspondence position be arranged on capsule forms a series of corresponding inlet opens or a series of corresponding exit opening.Multiple puncture tip is arranged as circle or ellipse roughly in the plane, and is optionally equally spaced.The puncture axis of each puncture tip can be parallel to puncture direction, and the blade of sting device is roughly arranged in cylindrical around the central axis of sting device substantially, and is optionally equally spaced.Puncture tip usually can be positioned to be approximately perpendicular to and puncture in the different virtual puncture plane in direction.The sum of the puncture tip that each puncture plane has can be 1,2,3,4,5,6,7 or 8.

Sting device can have first kind blade and Second Type blade, wherein first kind blade and at least one mounting structure are side by side and extends from first kind circumference sections together with at least one mounting structure described, and Second Type blade is separately from the extension of Second Type circumference sections.Second Type circumference sections can have the second width, and the first width of this second width and first kind circumference sections is roughly equal.First kind blade and Second Type blade can be arranged alternately around the axis of sting device, described axis such as centered by axis and/or be parallel to puncture direction axis.

At least one blade can have: the edge being roughly parallel to puncture direction, and crossing with this parallel edge thus form the sloping edge of puncture tip; Or tilt relative to puncture direction and intersect each other thus form two edges of puncture tip.

The cut edge of blade can roughly forming V-shape or U-shaped arrangement.Edge can be the shape of straight instrument bevel and/or bending instrument bevel.

Puncture tip roughly can be arranged as circle, ellipse or similar shape, and is optionally equally spaced.The puncture axis of each puncture tip can be parallel to puncture direction, and the blade of sting device is roughly arranged in cylindrical around the central axis of sting device substantially, and is optionally equally spaced.

Extraction unit generally includes the first capsule receiver, such as, be connected to the receiver of fluid line, and this fluid line is used for fluid to be recycled to and is punctured in capsule that device pierces through, sting device to be arranged among this first capsule receiver or on.First capsule receiver can have the device for mounting structure being fixed in this receiver, the depressed part such as coordinated with sting device or stretch out.

The fixture of the first capsule receiver can be configured to fixing mounting structure further, and described mounting structure is the mounting structure substantially extended on the whole circumferential sections of pedestal and the mounting structure be not positioned in the vertical below any blade.The mounting structure of rear a kind of mounting structure normally prior art sting device.Therefore, sting device of the present invention can be configured to be arranged on (at first) and is configured in the receiver receiving prior art sting device.

Extraction unit generally includes the second capsule receiver, this second capsule receiver can move between the open and the closed positions relative to the first capsule receiver, open position is used for capsule to insert in this extraction unit or capsule to take out from this extraction unit, and closing position is for extracting the capsule in this unit.For example, the second capsule receiver be arranged to the first receiver and the second receiver be roughly parallel to puncture direction relatively move to closing position time, maintain capsule against puncture tip.

Optionally, at angle, and capsule receiver has the rib expanding to this angle between mounting structure and blade for mounting structure and blade, thus usually in sting device, forms a recess.

The invention still further relates to the combination of extraction unit as above and capsule.

Another aspect of the present invention relates to the method for the capsule pierced through in this combination.The method comprises puncture direction, edge and promotes capsule against sting device.

Another aspect of the present invention relates to the following use of capsule: pierced through by the sting device of said extracted unit; Combinations thereof is provided; Or pierced through by said method.

For example, capsule comprises the container of substantial cylindrical or truncated cone or cheese or truncated dome shape, and this container has bottom and lid.Such as, this container has the axis of symmetry, as rotation.Capsule can have the surface for the treatment of to be pierced through by all puncture tips of sting device, and this pierces through surface and is formed by the bottom of capsule or lid.When the capsule sting device be extracted in unit pierces through, container axis can be roughly parallel to puncture direction.

Capsule is punctured the part that device pierces through and can be made up of metal (as aluminium), plastics and/or biodegradable material.

Accompanying drawing explanation

Referring now to schematic diagram, the present invention is described, wherein:

-Fig. 1 is the perspective view of the sting device according to extraction unit of the present invention;

-Fig. 2 is the side view of the sting device shown in Fig. 1;

-Fig. 3 a to Fig. 3 d shows capsule piercing through sequentially in extraction unit according to the present invention, and Fig. 3 a and Fig. 3 d shows the capsule receiver of this extraction unit;

-Fig. 4 schematically shows the insertion of another sting device according to the side view of extraction unit of the present invention;

-Fig. 4 a schematically shows the sting device of the Fig. 4 from top view;

-Fig. 5 is the perspective view of prior art sting device.

Detailed description of the invention

Fig. 1 to Fig. 3 d generally shows according to extraction unit 1 of the present invention and the example cooperated with capsule 20 thereof.Fig. 3 a and Fig. 3 d shows the extraction unit 1 with capsule receiver 30,40 and the sting device 10 with cooperation capsule 20.Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 shows in detail sting device 10.Fig. 3 a to Fig. 3 d shows piercing through sequentially of capsule 20.Fig. 4 and Fig. 4 a show sting device 10 in extraction unit 1 according to another example of the present invention.

Fig. 5 shows and can be installed in receiver 30 and the comparative example of the sting device 10a replaced by sting device 10 according to the present invention.

Prior art sting device 10a comprises three blades 11, these three blades extend from pedestal 14 and are spaced apart from each other via stretching out fastening structure (such as stretching out latch plate 15), described in stretch out fastening structure for sting device 10a being fastened to the capsule receiver 30 of Fig. 3 a and Fig. 3 d shown type.Fastening structure 15 is moveable, especially can move a little relative to blade 11, tighten together for capsule receiver 30.Such as, by being pressed in the horizontal anchoring chamber 321 of correspondingly-shaped in receiver 30 stretch out fastening structure 15, being especially pressed in the depressed part 32 of receiver 30, sting device 10a is arranged in receiver 30.Sting device 10a can be associated with other fastening structure, and described other fastening structure is such as through hole 16, through hole 16 for sting device 10a is fixed to the screw of receiver 30 or rivet (especially the screw of hollow or rivet) and coordinates.In addition, fastening structure can comprise the depressed part 15' being formed at and stretching out between structure 15 and blade 11, and depressed part 15' coordinates with the rib 323 (especially locating and fixing rib 323) of extraction element 10.Sting device 10a can be made up of single twisted plate (normally metallic plate), and this twisted plate is cut to form blade 11 and fastening structure 15,15', 16.

Blade 11 has piercing edge 12.When the piercing edge 12 of blade 11 and capsule 20 being pushed together, piercing edge 12 pierces through capsule 20, and blade 11 enters capsule 20, in capsule 20, form opening.

As shown in Figure 3 b, capsule 20 can have container 21, and container 21 has bottom 22 (such as, forming the bottom injected surface or extract surface) and lid 23 (such as, form the extraction surface of capsule 20 or inject the surface on surface).Cover 23 laterally extending, form flange 24 together with the edge of container 21.Lid 23 can suitably join the edge of container 21 to and form flange 24.

Under normal circumstances, capsule 20 comprises the container 21 of substantial cylindrical or truncated cone or cheese or truncated dome shape, and container 21 has bottom 22 and lid 23.Or can only a part for lid can be applied on container by whole lid; Or whole lid can be integrally formed with container.

Such as, container 21 has the axis of symmetry 25, as rotation 25.Capsule 20 can have the surface 22 for the treatment of to be pierced through by all puncture tip 12a, 12b of sting device 10, and this pierces through surface 22 and is formed by the bottom of capsule or lid.

Container 21 can have the blunt bottom 22 of truncated cone, and from bottom 22 towards the sharp-pointed main body 211 of truncated cone that container mouth 212 extends.Bottom 22 can have general planar or slightly raised or sunken end 221, and perisporium 222.

Container 21 can be made up of plastics, biodegradable material or aluminum.Lid 23 can be made up of paper, plastics, biodegradable material or aluminum.

Capsule 20 holds batching usually, the beverage ingredients such as such as coffee, tea, cocoa, milk.For example, the volume of capsule 20 can hold 3g to 10g ground coffee, to be used for espresso, the enough coffee of amount or the caffe american of preparing emerald green of stamen silk, steam pressure cooks.

Suitable capsule is such as capsule disclosed in EP0512468, EP0512470 and EP2068684.

By making liquid-circulating be mixed with batching such as the flavoring held in capsule 20 to make liquid by capsule 20, extract capsule 20.

Fig. 1 to Fig. 3 d shows the first example of the sting device 10 according to extraction unit 1 of the present invention, described first example of this sting device will be described in more detail in when coordinating with capsule 20 and capsule receiver 30,40 now.

Sting device 10 has itself: pedestal 14, and this pedestal has circumferential sections, such as roughly straight circumferential sections 14a, 14b; And from pedestal 14 longitudinally multiple blade 11a, the 11b (Fig. 1 and Fig. 2) that stretch out of 12a', 12b'.Longitudinal 12a', 12b' are roughly parallel to direction 10'(Fig. 3 a and Fig. 3 d of the capsule 20 that to puncture in unit 1).Each blade 11a, 11b one laterally extending (Fig. 1) roughly circumferentially in sections 14a, 14b.Sting device 10 also comprises multiple mounting structure 15a, 15b.Each mounting structure 15a, 15b extend from circumferential sections 14b and stretch out.

Sting device 10 can have multiple blade 11a, 11b, each blade 11a, 11b have and are arranged to puncture puncture tip 12a, 12b of capsule 20 on puncture direction 10', and described puncture direction 10' is such as roughly parallel to the direction 10' of longitudinal axis 12a', 12b' of blade 11a, 11b.Puncture tip 12a, 12b are arranged to inlet opens 22'(Fig. 3 b and Fig. 3 c that correspondence position 22' place in capsule 20 forms a series of correspondence) or the exit opening (not shown) of a series of correspondence.

Puncture tip 12a, 12b of blade 11a, 11b can be arranged to make extraction fluid be recycled in capsule 20 before pierce through capsule 20.

At least one blade 11a, 11b can have edge 121a, 121b of being roughly parallel to puncture direction 10', and crossing with parallel edge thus form sloping edge 122a, 122b of puncture tip 12a, 12b.

According to the present invention, at least one mounting structure 15a in above-mentioned mounting structure 15a, 15b roughly longitudinally 12b' is positioned at below corresponding blade 11b at least in part.

Mounting structure 15a can between corresponding blade 11b and pedestal 14.As shown in the figure, pedestal 14 can be roughly plane.Mounting structure 15a and corresponding blade 11b extends from same circumferential sections 14b usually.This corresponding blade 11b can form ledge 123b, mounting structure 15a at least partially longitudinally 12b' be positioned at below this ledge.Mounting structure 15a can be roughly parallel to longitudinal 12b' of corresponding blade 11b or be that a low-angle direction is extended from circumferential sections 14b with this longitudinal 12b'.

Pedestal 14, blade 11a, 11b and mounting structure 15a, 15b are made up of single platy structure usually, are especially made up of single plate, and this plate is cut and bends to form pedestal 14, blade 11a, 11b and component 15a, 15b.

Sting device 10 can have: first kind blade 11b and Second Type blade 11a, at least one wherein in first kind blade 11b and mounting structure 15a, 15b is arranged side by side, and extend from first kind circumference sections 14b together with at least one mounting structure described, Second Type blade 11a extends from Second Type circumference sections 14a separately.Second Type circumference sections 14a can have the second width 14a' roughly equal with the first width 14b' of first kind circumference sections 14b.First kind blade 11b and Second Type blade 11a can be alternatingly oriented around the axis of sting device 10, this axis such as centered by axis 10 " and/or being parallel to the axis 10 of puncture direction 10' ".

By being provided for the otch forming mounting structure 15a, 15b along lines 123b and 124b of blade 11b, the puncture width 11a' that puncture width 11b' can keep with cut edge 121a, the 122a by Second Type blade 11a is formed formed by cut edge 121b, 122b of first kind blade 11b is identical.Fig. 1 shows this situation.

Extraction unit 1 generally includes wherein or it is provided with the first capsule receiver 30 of sting device 10.Such as, receiver 30 is connected to fluid line 33, this fluid line 33 for fluid is recycled to be punctured device 10 to pierce through capsule 20 in.Such as, sting device 10 is arranged on bottom 32 place of receiver 30.

First capsule receiver 30 can have device mounting structure 15a, 15b are fixed in receiver 30, the depressed part 321 such as coordinated with sting device 10 and/or stretch out 322 (Fig. 3 d).That the substantially whole circumferential sections 14a' that the fixture 321,322 of capsule receiver 30 can be configured to be fixed on pedestal 14 further extends and be not positioned on longitudinal 12' below any blade 11 mounting structure 15, as the same in the prior art sting device 10a shown in Fig. 5.Therefore, receiver 30 shown in Fig. 3 a and Fig. 3 d can be the prior art receiver being configured at first receive prior art sting device 10a, when changing receiver 30 and construct, the sting device 10 shown in Fig. 1 to Fig. 3 d can be embedded receiver 30.

Mounting structure 15a, 15b can move (as can be flexibly moved) relative to the puncture tip 12b of first kind blade, particularly when mounting structure 15a, 15b and puncture tip 12b are formed by same twisted plate.

Therefore, the peripheral part around sting device pedestal is replaced to be arranged alternately the way of piercing blade and mounting structure, piercing blade 11b and mounting structure 15a, 15b can be combined on the same periphery edge 14b of pedestal 14, like this, mounting structure 15a, 15b also can be used as the position of stretching out piercing blade 11b from the position that pedestal 14 extends out.

Passage 16 in sting device 10 can be used for handle assembly 10 and is fixed in receiver 30, and/or allows liquid flowed in capsule 20 by sting device 10 (especially between capsule 20 and the fluid line 33 of receiver 30) or flowed out capsule 20.Such as, screw or the rivet member of passage 16 and hollow are associated, and this screw or rivet member are fixed on sting device 10 in receiver 30, are especially fixed on 32 places, bottom, and allow fluid to circulate between capsule 20 and pipeline 33.

Extraction unit 1 can comprise the second capsule receiver 40, this receiver 40 can move between the open and the closed positions relative to the first capsule receiver 30, open position is used for capsule 20 to insert in this unit 1, or capsule 20 is shifted out (not shown) from this unit 1, closing position is for extracting the capsule 20 (Fig. 3 d) in this unit 1.

First receiver 30 and the second receiver 40 relative movement between the open position and the closed position (especially move to closing position from open position, vice versa) can be roughly parallel to following at least one: puncture direction 10', sting device axis 10 " and blade axis 12a', 12b'.When the direction 10' that punctures is parallel with the relative movement direction of the second receiver 40 with the first receiver 30, closed can be used for of receiver 30,40, pierces through capsule 20 by sting device 10.

Second receiver 40 can be arranged to the first receiver 30 and the second receiver 40 be in substantially parallel relationship to puncture direction 10' relatively move to closing position time, capsule 20 is kept, such as, disclosed in WO2005/004683 and EP1859714 against puncture tip 12a, 12b.

In the exemplary embodiment shown in Fig. 3 a and Fig. 3 d, first capsule receiver 30 has the cavity 31 (especially capsule container 21) for holding capsule 20, and the second capsule receiver 40 forms the capping 44 (capping of especially outflowing) being used for closed housing 21.Especially, the first receiver 30 has mouth 34, and capsule 20 can enter cavity 21 through mouth 34.In closing position, capsule flange 24 can be compressed in (Fig. 3 d) between the peripheral part of capping 44 and mouth 34, and whereby, cavity 31 is salable to be entered in cavity 31 to avoid the liquid supplied via pipeline 33 to walk around capsule 20 around capsule container 21.Capping 44 comprises for making liquid-circulating enter in capsule 20 or leaving the series of passages 42 of capsule 20, and for a series of puncture of opening capsule lid 23 or tear and stretch out 41.As shown in the figure, cavity 31 can have central axis 35, and when extraction unit 1 is in extracting position, central axis or the axis of symmetry 25 of this central axis 35 and capsule 20 are roughly the same.

First receiver 30 is equipped with retainer 36,37, and these retainers are used for when the first receiver 30 and the second receiver 40 are relatively moved after extraction, capsule 20 and the second receiver 40 being separated, and especially capsule lid 23 and fluid withdrawal device 44 are separated.For example, the first retainer 36 keeps capsule flange 24, and the second retainer 37 keeps capsule container 21.3rd retainer (not shown) can be provided, be used for removing capsule 30 from the first retainer 36 and the second retainer 37, this retainer is such as engage and to make capsule flange 24 away from the retainer of mouth 34 relative movement when lid 23 separates with capsule flange 24.3rd retainer can be formed together with guide channel, or can be associated with guide channel, and when being incorporated in extraction unit 1 by capsule 20 and/or when shifting out capsule 20 from unit 1, this guide channel is to be approximately perpendicular to the mode guiding flange of axis 35.

First capsule receiver 30 and the second capsule receiver 40 are by manual mode relative movement, such as disclosed in WO2005/004683, WO2007/135135, WO2007/135136 or WO2009/043630, or by automated manner (especially maneuver mode) relative movement, such as disclosed in EP1767129, WO2012/025258, WO2012/025259, or by hydraulic way or hybrid mode relative movement, such as, disclosed in WO2011/042400.These bibliography also disclose the mode of suitable operate capsule: capsule 20 is directed to the centre position between the receiver 30 and 40 separated; Receiver 30,40 is moved on in extracting position together with capsule 20; And when receiver 30 and 40 points leave, eject capsule 20 after extraction.Especially, can sting device 10 be transform as disclosed in these bibliography extraction unit, to be formed according to extraction unit 1 of the present invention.

Extraction unit 1 can be arranged in beverage preparation machine known in the art, such as have in the machine of functional accessory disclosed in WO2009/074550, these functional accessory are such as control unit, user interface, fluid line, pump, thermoregulator (especially heater and/or cooler), water tank or other batching feeder, useless batching collector etc.

In order to improve the flow distribution in capsule 20, it is desirable to make passage or the liquid that enters (or leaving) capsule doubles and distributes these passages, and therefore multiple blade is provided.

When the resistance of capsule is large not, such as, the internal pressure in capsule or the structural strength of capsule large not, capsule 20 is especially easily flattened by the sting device with multiple blade.

Puncture tip 12a, 12b can be positioned at different virtual puncture plane 13a, 13b upper (Fig. 1 and Fig. 2) perpendicular to puncture direction 10' usually.

Puncture tip 12a, 12b of at least one plane 13a, 13b can general alignment be circular, and be optionally equally spaced (Fig. 1).

Each puncture tip 12a, 12b can have puncture axis 12a', 12b' of being parallel to puncture direction 10'.In this case, blade 11a, 11b of sting device 1 can roughly " substantially be arranged in cylindrical around the central axis 10 of sting device 10, and optionally be equally spaced.

Puncture tip 12a, 12b can carry out space arrangement relative to puncture position 22', not contact at puncture position 22' place in the same time and to penetrate capsule 20 (Fig. 3 a and Fig. 3 b) accordingly.

By providing this arrangement, sting device 10 can be equipped with a large amount of blade, thus forms inlet opens or the exit opening of respective numbers, to divide dosing stream at each opening part, and when not forming opening in the same time, the risk of flattening capsule reduces.

Puncture position 22' can be positioned in not parallel with puncture plane 13a, 13b capsule halves 22, and especially this capsule halves is nonplanar surperficial 22, such as the surface 221,222 of conical shaped, cheese, Polyhedral or mixing shape.

Such as, capsule has all puncture tip 12a treated by sting device 10, the surface 22 that 12b pierces through, this capsule surface 22 optionally has so good deformability to such an extent as to is out of shape on puncture direction 10' and at least exceedes 5% of capsule overall size and be not also pierced, if especially capsule surface 22 contacts with all puncture tips of sting device and is pushed against on described all puncture tips to pierce through at synchronization, so, capsule surface 22 is under the prerequisite be not pierced, deformation extent at least exceedes 10% or 15% of capsule overall size, capsule surface 22 is such as by metal (as aluminium), at least one in plastics and biodegradable material is made.

Each puncture plane 13a, 13b can have puncture tip 12a, 12b of ading up to 1,2,3,4,5,6,7 or 8.In the instantiation shown in Fig. 1 to Fig. 3 d, each puncture plane 13a, 13b have three puncture tips 12a, 12b.

Sting device 10 shown in Fig. 1 to Fig. 3 d is made up of single twisted plate, and this twisted plate is cut and form pedestal 14 and blade 11a, 11b.Also assembling structure 15a, 15b, 15', 16 can be formed in this twisted plate, to assemble sting device 10 in this unit 1, the capsule receiver 30 of such as assembly unit 1.Sting device 10 can be made up of crooked metal sheet.

For example, blade 11a, 11b and one or more mounting structure 15a, 15b relative to pedestal 14 with 75 degree to the angle within the scope of 105 degree, as 85 degree to 95 degree bend.

During operation, capsule 20 and sting device 10 are oriented to face-to-face, and then capsule 20 and sting device 10 are along puncture direction 10' backup each other.Puncture tip 12a, 12b that two of sting device 10 are different do not contact in the same time corresponding and penetrate capsule 20.

Fig. 3 a to Fig. 3 d illustrates in greater detail the example of this process when capsule 20 is between capsule receiver 30,40 and sting device 10: in fig. 3 a, and capsule 20 is maintained at a distance, sting device 10 front; In fig 3b, sting device 10 and capsule 20 backup each other, make the puncture tip 12a of plane 13b thrust capsule 20, and the puncture tip 12b of plane 13b is still positioned at outside capsule 20; Fig. 3 c illustrates that the puncture tip 12b of plane 13b enters in capsule 20; Fig. 3 d illustrates that extraction element 10 enters completely, and wherein extraction unit 1 is in extracting position.

Capsule 20 can use in extraction unit 1, for the formation of the beverage of any type, and especially coffee, tea, chocolate, milk and soup.

In Fig. 4 and 4a, identical reference number indicates identical element usually, and this two width illustrates another sting device 10 according to extraction unit 1 of the present invention.

Sting device 10 has pedestal 14, and this pedestal 14 has circumferential sections, such as roughly straight circumferential sections 14c1,14c2.In this context, " roughly straight " comprises because bent tube form sections 15c makes it depart from tubular axis line 10 " and the slight bending 14c2 formed.Device 10 also comprises multiple blade 11c, these blades from pedestal 14 longitudinally 12c' stretch out, especially described longitudinal direction is roughly parallel to the direction 10' piercing through capsule 20 in this type of unit.Roughly circumferentially in sections 14c1 one of each blade 11c is laterally extending.In addition, device 10 has multiple mounting structure 15c.Each component 15c can extend from circumferential sections 14c2 and stretch out.

According to the present invention, at least one mounting structure 15c roughly longitudinally 12c' is positioned at below corresponding blade 11c at least in part.As shown in Figure 4, the foot of mounting structure 15c can roughly slightly angularly to extend from circumferential sections 14c2 from axis 12c' with axis 12c'.

Pedestal 14 can extend between at least one mounting structure 15c and corresponding blade 11c.Pedestal 14 can be roughly annular.At least one mounting structure 15c can extend from the assembling circumference sections 14c2 relative with blade circumference sections 14c1 of pedestal 14.This type of circumferential sections 14c1,14c2 of pedestal 14 can be roughly parallel to each other.

Each blade 11c can have puncture tip 12c, and this puncture tip 12c is arranged to along puncture direction 10'(such as, at the direction 10' that longitudinal 12c' of puncture tip 12c place and blade 11c is almost parallel) pierce through capsule 20.The correspondence position 22' place that puncture tip 12c can be arranged in capsule 20 forms the inlet opens of a series of correspondence or the exit opening of a series of correspondence.Puncture tip 13c can all be disposed on single plane 13c, especially in the plane perpendicular to puncture direction 10' or longitudinal insert orientation 12c'.The puncture tip 12c of blade 11c can be arranged to make extraction fluid be recycled in capsule 20 before pierce through capsule 20.

Puncture tip 12c can general alignment be circular or oval on plane 13c, and is optionally equally spaced.Each puncture tip 12c can have the puncture axis 12c' being parallel to puncture direction 10'.The blade 11c of sting device 10 is roughly arranged in cylindrical around the central axis 10' of sting device 10 substantially, and is optionally equally spaced.Puncture plane 13c can have the puncture tip 11c ading up to 1,2,3,4,5,6,7 or 8.In Fig. 4 and Fig. 4 a, device 10 has the puncture tip 12c ading up to 4.

At least one blade 11c can have relative to puncture direction 10' inclination and intersect each other to be formed two edge 122c of puncture tip 12c.

Sting device 10 can be put in the bottom 32 of capsule receiver 30 (schematically part illustrates in the diagram), and mounting structure 15c can be accommodated in the cavity 321 of depressed part 32.Can along direction 10 " ' sting device 10 is installed in receiver 30.Corresponding instrument (such as tubular tool) may be needed to push mounting structure 15c to central shaft 10 ", to make it enter depressed part 32.Mounting structure 15c can have elasticity, to expand in cavity 321 immediately behind the appropriate location being arranged in depressed part 32 at sting device 10.

Sting device 10 also can be included in the sections 15d between mounting structure 15c.Sections 15d can contribute to the stable and location of device 10 in capsule receiver 30.

Claims (17)

1. a capsule extraction unit (1), described capsule extraction unit has the sting device (10) for piercing through capsule (20), and described sting device comprises:

-pedestal (14), described pedestal has circumferential sections, such as roughly straight circumferential sections (14a, 14b, 14c1,14c2);

-multiple blade (11a, 11b, 11c), described blade is (12a', 12b', 12c') longitudinally, especially be roughly parallel to the direction longitudinal direction (10') piercing through described capsule (20) in this type of unit (1) to stretch out from described pedestal, each blade is roughly laterally extending along in described circumferential sections (14a, 14b, 14c1); And

-multiple mounting structure (15a, 15b, 15c), each mounting structure (15a, 15b, 15c) extends from described circumferential sections (14b, 14c2) and stretches out,

It is characterized in that, at least one mounting structure (15a, 15c) in described mounting structure (15a, 15b, 15c) roughly longitudinally (12b', 12c') is positioned at corresponding blade (11b, 11c) below at least in part.

2. unit according to claim 1, wherein at least one mounting structure (15a) is positioned between described corresponding blade (11b) and described pedestal (14), described pedestal especially general plane or annular.

3. unit according to claim 2, wherein at least one mounting structure (15a) and described corresponding blade (11b) extend from same circumferential sections (14b).

4. unit according to claim 1 and 2, wherein said corresponding blade (11b) forms ledge (123b), and at least partially longitudinally (12b') of described mounting structure (15a) is positioned at below described ledge.

5. the unit according to arbitrary aforementioned claim, wherein said pedestal (14) extends between at least one mounting structure (15c) and described corresponding blade (11c), described pedestal especially roughly annular.

6. unit according to claim 5, wherein at least one mounting structure (15c) extends from assembling circumference sections (14c2) relative with blade circumference sections (14c1) of described pedestal (14), and described circumferential sections is almost parallel especially each other.

7. the unit according to arbitrary aforementioned claim, wherein at least one mounting structure (15a) extends from described circumferential sections (14b, 14c2) along the direction of the described longitudinal direction (12b', 12c') being roughly parallel to described corresponding blade (11b).

8. the unit according to arbitrary aforementioned claim, wherein said pedestal (14), described blade (11a, 11b, 11c) and described mounting structure (15a, 15b, 15c) are made up of single platy structure, are especially made up of the individual plates being cut and bending to be formed described pedestal, described blade and described mounting structure.

9. the unit according to arbitrary aforementioned claim, wherein each blade (11a, 11b, 11c) there is the puncture tip (12a being arranged to (10') pierce through described capsule along puncture direction, 12b, 12c), described puncture direction is such as being roughly parallel to described blade (11a, 11b, 11c) at described puncture tip (12a, 12b, 12c) described longitudinal direction (the 12a' at place, 12b', direction 12c') (10'), described puncture tip correspondence position (22') place be arranged in described capsule forms the inlet opens of a series of correspondence or the exit opening of a series of correspondence, described blade (11a, 11b, described puncture tip (12a 11c), 12b, 12c) be especially arranged to make extraction fluid be recycled in described capsule before pierce through described capsule, especially:

-multiple described puncture tip is roughly arranged in circle or ellipse, and is optionally equally spaced in plane (13a, 13b); And/or

-each puncture tip has the puncture axis (12a', 12b', 12c') being parallel to described puncture direction, roughly around the central axis of described sting device, (10 ") are arranged in cylindrical the described blade (11a, 11b, 11c) of described sting device (10) substantially, and are optionally equally spaced.

10. unit according to claim 9, wherein said puncture tip (12a, 12b) is roughly positioned at and is approximately perpendicular on the different virtual puncture plane (13a, 13b) (10') of described puncture direction, optionally, each puncture plane (13a, 13b) has the puncture tip (12a, 12b) ading up to 1,2,3,4,5,6,7 or 8.

11. unit according to arbitrary aforementioned claim, wherein said sting device (10) has: first kind blade (11b) and Second Type blade (11a), described first kind blade and at least one mounting structure (15a, 15b) are side by side and extend from first kind circumference sections (14b) together with at least one mounting structure described, described Second Type blade extends from Second Type circumference sections (14a) separately, optionally:

-described Second Type circumference sections (14a) has the second width (14a'), and first width (14b') of described second width and described first kind circumference sections (14b) is roughly equal, and/or

-described first kind blade (11b) and described Second Type blade (11a) are arranged alternately around the axis of described sting device, and described axis is such as central axis (10 ") and/or be parallel to described puncture direction axis (10') (10 ").

12. unit according to arbitrary aforementioned claim, wherein at least one blade (11a, 11b, 11c) has:

-be roughly parallel to edge (10'), described puncture direction (121a, 121b), and crossing with described parallel edge thus form the sloping edge (122a, 122b) of described puncture tip (12a, 12b); Or

-(10') to tilt relative to described puncture direction and intersect each other thus form two edges (122c) of described puncture tip (12c).

13. unit according to arbitrary aforementioned claim, described unit comprises the first capsule receiver (30), such as be connected to the receiver of fluid line (33), described fluid line is used for fluid to be recycled in the capsule (20) pierced through by described sting device (10), described sting device (10) to be installed among described first capsule receiver or on, described first capsule receiver (30) especially has for by mounting structure (15a, 15b, 15c) be fixed on the device in described receiver, described device is such as the depressed part (321) that coordinates with described sting device (10) and/or stretch out (322), optionally, the described fixture (321 of described capsule receiver (30), 322) by be configured to further fixing substantially the whole circumferential sections (14a') of described pedestal (14) upper extend and in described longitudinal direction (12'), be not positioned at the mounting structure (15) of any blade (11) below.

14. unit according to claim 13, described unit comprises the second capsule receiver (40), described second capsule receiver (40) can be moved between the open and the closed positions relative to described first capsule receiver (30), described open position is used for capsule (20) to insert in this extraction unit (1) or by capsule (20) to take out from this extraction unit (1), described closing position is used for extracting described capsule in this unit (1), optionally, described second capsule receiver (30) be arranged to when described first receiver (30) and described second receiver (40) be roughly parallel to described puncture direction (10') relatively move to described closing position time, against described puncture tip (12a, 12b, 12c) keep described capsule (20).

The combination of 15. 1 kinds of capsules (20) and the extraction unit (1) according to arbitrary aforementioned claim.

16. 1 kinds of methods piercing through the described capsule (20) in combination according to claim 15, described method comprises and (10') relatively promotes described capsule against described sting device (10) along described puncture direction.

The use of 17. 1 kinds of capsules (20), described capsule is suitable for:

-pierced through by the described sting device (10) of the extraction unit (1) according to any one of claim 1 to 14;

-combination according to claim 15 is provided; Or

-pierced through by method according to claim 16,

Optionally, described capsule comprises the container (21) of substantial cylindrical or truncated cone or cheese or truncated dome shape, and described container has bottom (22) and lid (23).